La Vieille Sarthe is a scenic freshwater river in the Sarthe department of Pays de la Loire, offering excellent coarse fishing opportunities for pike, perch, roach, bream, and carp across its northern stretch between Coulaines and Coulvain. This angler-friendly waterway permits night fishing and welcomes boats, making it ideal for both traditional bankside sessions and extended bivouac trips, with diverse habitats that produce consistent catches throughout the season. A valid Carte de Pêche, obtainable through the local AAPPMA (Association Agréée pour la Pêche et la Protection du Milieu Aquatique), is required to fish this regulated French river.
Water level data from Hub'Eau / Vigicrues. Nearest hydrometric station, updated every 15 minutes. Always verify conditions on arrival.
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La Vieille Sarthe holds pike, perch, roach, bream, carp. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers — all carp must be handled carefully and returned.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish La Vieille Sarthe. Licences are available online before your trip.
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To fish La Vieille Sarthe, you need a valid Carte de Pêche, available from cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK and affiliation with the local AAPPMA covering this stretch. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Sarthe is home to numerous public fishing rivers and canals. Browse all venues in Sarthe or explore all of Pays de la Loire.
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